Loving Others Well

Paul had already provided an example of fraternal love in his own ministry to the Thessalonians (2:1-12). Now he called on them to show this kind of love to each other. He commended the Thessalonians for their devotion to each other and to Christians throughout Macedonia. Yet he knew the trials facing the church required ever-increasing mutual support and affection. Paul's scope was the broadest in this section of moral instruction. He was concerned again with the Thessalonians' work ethic and their resulting witness in the unbelieving community.